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Tony DeCarlo graphic for Wrestling HOF

Tony DeCarlo '66G Set to Be Inducted into Ohio Chapter of National Wrestling HOF

| By: Joe Ginley '16, SID

DeCarlo has been chosen for this honor posthumously for his legendary coaching accomplishments

COLUMBUS – One of the legendary figures in John Carroll Athletics history is set for a significant posthumous honor.

This fall, the Ohio Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame will add a Man of Carroll who made an indelible mark on the sport.

Tony DeCarlo '66G will be posthumously inducted into the Ohio Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Lifetime of Service to Wrestling Honoree on Sunday, October 18 (link:https://nwhof.org/state-chapters/ohio_

DeCarlo served as the Head Wrestling Coach at JCU from 1964-87. DeCarlo founded the program and laid the groundwork for JCU Wrestling for decades to come.  

One of DeCarlo's crowning achievements occurred in 1975. As the hosts of the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships, the Blue Streaks roared for the National Championship in historic fashion. To this day, that title remains the only national championship in school history. Read the feature on that team here.

The longtime coach guided the Blue Streaks to 21 straight Presidents Athletic Conference crowns and 13 National Catholic Invitational titles. DeCarlo was crowned the NCAA College Division Coach of the Year in 1974 and the National Catholic Coach of the Year from 1973-75. 

In 1980, DeCarlo was inducted into the Ohio High School Wrestling Coaches Association's Hall of Fame. He also coached at St. Edward High School for two years before coming to Carroll. As a grappler himself, the Harvey grad finished his senior year undefeated. 

"It's a tremendous honor. I can't tell you how happy I am to be honored. I guess there really is no greater honor because you're selected by your peers … Winning is a lot of hard work. I use the philosophy of hard work and I give a lot of credit for the success we have to using a lot of wrestlers from this area of the state," he told the press. 

DeCarlo handed the reins of the program to Kerry Volkmann in 1987, becoming the head football coach. DeCarlo remains the all-time wins leader in JCU Football History. 

From 1987-2002, DeCarlo served as Athletic Director. Under DeCarlo, John Carroll added two sports and enjoyed great successes across the department. DeCarlo retired in 2014 after a half-century of service to John Carroll University. DeCarlo was inducted into the JCU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1977. 

DeCarlo passed away in April 2018 after 57 years of marriage to his beloved wife, Rita '68G. His three children – Debi (Rachek) '86, Tony '88, and Patti (Naim) '90 – all graduated from John Carroll.

"This is of course a great honor for Dad and the DeCarlo family," said Tony Jr. "But Dad would humbly say the honor was all his. His legacy lives in the lives he touched, and this recognition is as much for the men he had the privilege to steward through their formative years as it is for him."

JCU Alumni interested in attending can register here by October 2. Blue Streaks can email Tony Jr. (tonydecarlo1965@gmail.com) to let the family know you're coming.

On October 18, the social will begin at 1:30 pm with dinner and induction to follow at 2 pm. The event will take place at Villa Milano (1630 Schrock Rd Columbus, OH 43229). Tickets are $55 for adults and kids 20 and under are $15. A hotel block is reserved at Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbus (2700 Corporate Exchange Dr., Columbus, OH 43231). The rate is $139/night, reserve by September 25 at the booking link here under the Group name: National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Ohio Chapter
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